(The Dallas Examiner) – May 4 was the start of a new chapter for Dallas College and one of its trustees, Charletta Rogers Compton – who officially retired from the college’s board of trustees after serving for 24 years.
She first ran for office in 2000. Her decision to run came after she noticed that the college district was conducting substantially all of its business with non-minority vendors and contractors. Compton realized that to increase minority representation, she needed to be on the policy-making end of things – she needed a position on the board.
“Everyone pays money into the college system, but you’d see minimal business conducted with minorities,” Compton said.
Once she was elected as a trustee, Compton noticed that most of the staff did not have much of a voice in the decision-making process for the college. It was here where Compton chose to start speaking up. Even if it meant standing alone in voicing her opinion, she vowed to get leadership to understand that Dallas is a diverse city, and the opportunity to work with the college should be extended to everyone.
“It is important that a college district has a diverse pool of suppliers and vendors to choose from. Because of the policies that I introduced, Dallas College still has someone on staff that actively recruits minority businesses,” Compton added.
The trustee fostered a new perspective and made those who were in power think differently.
“Don’t you want to be an advocate for small minority businesses and give them a chance to compete?” she asked during one particular board hearing.
At times, she experienced resistance from fellow board members when voicing her opinion. Her goal was to get the mindset of leadership to change, and for the board as a whole to consider different perspectives – but it wasn’t always easy. Even when policies that she’d introduce would prove to have a successful impact on the college, she still felt that she was underestimated by some of her peers. However, Compton maintained what she called a “decent” relationship with the chancellor of the college and was well-liked by staff members. Despite the setbacks, she remained focused on maintaining fairness and equality when it came to opportunities for minority businesses.
Whenever she ran for re-election, Compton’s community connections helped her continue to win the seat.
“The southern sectors of Dallas don’t like when politicians are chosen for them, so it was difficult for my opponents to gain support,” Compton said.
To sum up her tenure as a Dallas College board trustee, Compton strengthened minority business commitments from the board, changed policies to increase minority representation and changed the culture of leadership. Compton admitted that she agreed to disagree on certain decisions that were made by the board but was sure to put her ideas and thoughts on record so that they could be accessed in the public domain. She wanted it to be clear to all that she was an advocate for inclusion.
Compton considers herself as someone who has always been committed to education and getting minorities exposure to opportunities. She refers to herself as a straightforward and outspoken person, but at the same time, is an approachable person. She votes and makes decisions based on her heart and conscience.
The former trustee delightfully reflected on her plans for the future.
“I’m retired,” she stated enthusiastically. “I have worked at something ever since I was 12 years old, so I’m excited.”
But she’s not lowering her sword just yet. Compton said she looked forward to spending more time with her two daughters, five granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. She also plans to serve as a governmental affairs consultant, and to remain involved with the college district. She vows to always support student and staff initiatives and can be counted on to speak up for the underrepresented.